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SJRES 189

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect United States citizenship.

119th Congress Introduced by Rand Paul

Proposes a constitutional amendment to strengthen and protect U.S. citizenship, including clearer rules on who is a citizen and limits on losing citizenship.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJRES 189

Summary of SJRES 189 (119th Congress) – Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution to protect United States citizenship

Overview

  • Type of measure: Joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment.
  • Short title/intent: Aims to protect United States citizenship.
  • Sponsor: Introduced in the Senate with co-sponsor Sen. Rand Paul.
  • Actions to date:
    • Introduced in the Senate.
    • Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary (April 29, 2026).

Primary purpose and intent

The bill seeks to amend the United States Constitution to strengthen and protect the status of U.S. citizenship. While the full text is not provided here, a typical articulation of such a resolution would involve defining and safeguarding citizenship status against potential erosion by legislative, administrative, or judicial actions. The explicit language would determine the exact scope (e.g., citizenship by birth, through parents, or by naturalization) and the mechanisms by which the amendment would operate.

Key provisions and changes (subject to the bill’s text)

Because the concrete text of the amendment is not included in the summary, the following are typical elements such a joint resolution would aim to address. Readers should refer to the bill’s official text for precise language and operative provisions:
- Protection of citizenship status: A constitutional declaration or reinforcement of who is a United States citizen.
- Limitation on revocation or loss of citizenship: Provisions restricting the ability of other branches to strip a person of citizenship, except through due process in accordance with constitutional rights.
- Clarification of birthright and naturalization: Potential specifications regarding citizenship acquired by birth on U.S. soil, by parentage, or via naturalization processes.
- Judicial and legislative interplay: Mechanisms describing how the amendment interacts with existing constitutional provisions and laws (e.g., the 14th Amendment) and how it would be interpreted by courts.

Note: The exact operative text and any definitions, exceptions, or procedures would be found in the bill’s full language.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals: The primary effect would be on individuals who hold or are pursuing U.S. citizenship, by clarifying or strengthening the framework that determines and protects citizenship status.
  • Legislative and executive branches: Potentially constrains or guides actions related to citizenship status, naturalization, deprivation of citizenship, and related administrative processes.
  • Judicial considerations: Courts would apply the proposed constitutional amendment to disputes about citizenship, subject to the amendment’s specific language.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for review.
  • Next steps in process: The Judiciary Committee would consider, hold hearings, and possibly amend the measure before sending it to the full Senate. If advanced, it would proceed to the House of Representatives (if Senate-originated) or await related actions depending on the legislative path. It would require passage by both chambers and ratification by the states to become an amendment to the Constitution.
  • Effective date: Any constitutional amendment typically takes effect only after ratification by the required number of states; the bill’s text would specify the timeline for ratification and any transitional provisions.

Additional notes

  • The bill’s legislative impact depends on the precise constitutional language adopted. Until the full text is published, readers should monitor floor actions, committee reports, and comparative analyses to understand the exact scope, definitions, and constitutional ramifications.
  • Public and expert commentary will likely focus on how the proposed amendment interacts with the 14th Amendment, birthright citizenship concepts, and existing naturalization laws.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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